Candidates for Hayden mayor and city council answered questions on city concerns in a public forum on Nov. 2.
Incumbent Ronald McIntire and Nancy Lowery ran for mayor of Hayden. Incumbent Roger Saterfiel ran unopposed for council seat three. Kris LaMarr, who could not attend, and Tim Timmins ran for council seat one.
Questions included subjects such as public transportation, road maintenance, Hayden Lake pollution, activities for youth, the school system, approaches to crime, jobs and taxes. Candidates were asked what current issue they would spend the most time on.
“There are ways for government to raise money without raising taxes,” Saterfiel said.
“Promote Hayden as a great place to bring your business,” Lowery said.
“Soften business restrictions,” McIntire said. “It’s a waste of jobs.”
“Bring people back in,” Timmins said. “I don’t want to go to Coeur d’Alene to shop; I want to shop in my local city of Hayden.”
Relations with NIC also appeared in the questions for the mayoral candidates.
“There are a lot of opportunities there,” McIntire said. “We just don’t ask enough. There are a lot of connections there that can be made.”
“Promoting [NIC] in Hayden is a huge thing,” Lowery said. “I think it’s really educating the community.”
The mayoral candidates were asked what qualities set them apart.
“Age and maturity,” McIntire said.
“My actions over the last 12 years speak to my dedication, passion, and energy,” Lowery said.
The candidates were also asked to summarize their platforms.
“I already know how to combine public and private and make it work,” Saterfiel said.
“I’m for more accountability,” Lowery said. “Actively promoting the city will bring jobs in.”
“We need to see people come into Hayden,” Timmins said. “I’m for a slow growth.”
“We need to make sure we’re not pricing ourselves out,” McIntire said..”
Lowery said she has spent all her adult life in Idaho, and is an LCSC graduate. McIntire opened the first of his grocery stores in Hayden. Saterfiel has been on the Hayden City Council for four years. Timmins said he has spent more time in Coeur d’Alene, but done most of his business in Hayden.
Candidates had one minute to respond to questions. Faith Valente, an NIC communication instructor, moderated.
“I’m known for asking the tough questions, and I’m looking forward to answering the tough questions,” Lowery said.
“I do a lot of volunteering,” McIntire said. “I try to make it work.”
“When I set my mind to something, I do it,” Timmins said. “I will listen to the people who will elect me.”
“I pride myself on my involvement,” Saterfiel said. “The bottom line is we all work for you.”
Ronald McIntire was elected mayor, and Timmins defeated LaMarr on Nov. 8.
